The Wilson Security Racing driver - who competes for the team owned by the region’s own James Rosenberg - was relieved with his race two efforts.

“I am happy I finished one! It’s good to get that off my back,” Slade said.

After promising pace in practice the young driver - originally from McLaren Vale - qualified his Ford in 21st position on the grid.

But Slade fell victim to the turn eight concrete barriers early in race one.

The incident left him unable to finish the 78-lap race in front of his home crowd.

“We had good pace at the race start and I just simply made a mistake,” Slade said.

Rosenberg said the team worked late into the night to return the car to mint condition for Sunday.

“Tim took a bit of time to get his confidence back for qualifying,” Rosenberg said.

After starting from 23rd, Slade worked his way to a 17th place finish.

The team owner said race two was a confidence builder.

“We all know this year is pretty important to him,” Rosenberg said.

“There are goals required by himself, the team and myself.

“We’re very confident he can meet those goals.

“I know we’ll see him in the top 10.”

After three rounds, Slade sits 23rd on the series points ladder.